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THE TEMPEST
107


Prospero.

To weep at what I am glad of. Fair encounter
Of two most rare affections! Heavens rain grace
On that which breeds between ‘em!

Ferdinand.

On that which breeds between ‘em! Wherefore weep you?

Miranda.

At mine unworthiness that dare not offer
What I desire to give, and much less take
What I shall die to want. But this is trifling;
And all the more it seeks to hide itself,
The bigger bulk it shows. Hence, bashful cunning!
And prompt me, plain and holy innocence!
I am your wife, if you will marry me;
If not, I die your maid: to be your fellow
You may deny me; but I ’ll be your servant,
Whether you will or no.

Ferdinand.

Whether you will or no. My mistress, dearest;
And I thus humble ever.

Miranda.

And I thus humble ever. My husband, then?

Ferdinand.

Ay, with a heart as willing
As bondage e’er of freedom: here ’s my hand.

Miranda.

And mine, with my heart in ’t: and now farewell
Till half an hour hence.